Developing chemistry with Wade, knocking down shots from everywhere. Needs to learn not to be such a black hole, though. -Matt from Hardwood Paroxysm

#4 DJ Augustin (14 points)

Quickness and good shooting makes Augustin a game-changer in Charlotte. The kid’s a tough assignment, and the ‘Cats look more competitive than they ever have. -J.D. Mo from The Bob Boozer Jinx#3 Russell Westbrook (30 points)

Could wind up being more important than Durant. Yeah, I said it. -Matt from Hardwood Paroxysm

Like a bat outta hell, Westbrook decided smartly to hit the rookie wall early and then jump straight over it into December and January. Look out. -Mookie from A Stern Warning

#2 Derrick Rose (70 points)

Thrown into the fire when Hinrich went down, he’s kept the Bulls in striking distance of the playoffs. Hinrich’s back to take some of the pressure off and this may mean that the ROY goes to Mayo in the end. But up until this point in the season, no rookie has accomplished more than Rose. -J.D. Mo from The Bob Boozer Jinx

This vote is more subjective, but just watching Rose’s game, I always come away thoroughly impressed and feel like he has the most advanced game of any of the rookies. He’s 2nd among rookies in scoring, 1st in assists, and boasts a solid .467 FG%. -RockKing from Waiting For Next Year

#1 OJ Mayo(79 points)

Efficient, deadly, still learning his teammates. He’s probably going to jump to the other list in a few years. -Matt from Hardwood Paroxysm

No, I do not feel bad about this pick. The man is the Jason Bourne of the NBA. He’s killing everyone, and no one knows he exists. -Matt from Hardwood Paroxysm#10 (tie) Dirk Nowitzki(18 points)

Possessing one of the purest shots in the game, could actually move higher if he wasn’t deserving of the name ‘Irk’. -Don from With Malice

#9 Joe Johnson(19 points)

#2 is #1 in Hotlanta. Josh Smith may bring the highlights, but JJ brings IT every night. -Mookie from A Stern Warning

#8 Brandon Roy(39 points)

Missed time out injured, but make no mistake: Brandon Roy is the reason the Blazers are as good as they are. -Don from With Malice

Don’t go forgetting about this quiet performer. B-Roy’s numbers line up across the board with the best guards in the game and he has led the Blazers well beyond where they should be. -Mookie from A Stern Warning

#7 Chauncey Billups(45 points)

Hard to believe a changing of the guards could make so much difference, but it’s hard to argue with the results. George Karl will find a way to screw things up in Denver. -J.D. Mo from The Bob Boozer Jinx

A natural born leader. The swagger he has brought to the Mile High City speaks for itself. More than the answer, he’s the solution. -Mookie from A Stern Warning

#6 Tim Duncan(60 points)

I opened him up and saw that his Energizer Battery isn’t set to expire until the year 2015. -College Wolf from TWolvesBlog.com

Never underestimate the heart of a champion. I just noted this stat and I don’t know how well documented it is: since 2002-03, in the years the Spurs have won the title, Timmy D has shot 51.9% from the field. In the years they haven’t won, he’s averaged 49.4%. This year he’s shooting 51.5%. With the number of shots he takes, that means a lot. I’m just saying… -Mookie from A Stern Warning

#5 Dwight Howard(106 points)

“Oh, no, Andrew Bynum is the best young center!” “Nuh-uh! Greg Oden is the best young center!” BOOM! “HOWARD SMASH!!!” -Matt from Hardwood Paroxysm

This guy is a beast. Does he make his teammates better? Look at my man Hedo! -Daniel from LA Ball Talk

I’m trying to figure out how he plans on topping last year’s dunks. -Jonny from The Lakers Nation

#4 Dwyane Wade(116 points)

He’s still Ernie Banks. Though the old Cub only wanted to “play two,” while D-Wade wants to “fall down seven times.” -Fish from DallasBasketball.com

His defense has really skyrocketed. He’s taken to the weakside block on the lowpost scorer, and has gotten more aggressive in the half-court trap with his newfound strength and burst of speed. Yeah, some of it is stat padding, but it’s also effective as hell. -Matt from Hardwood Paroxysm

#3 Chris Paul(127 points)

He’s gotten lost because his team isn’t in the 30 win club, but having an outstanding individual season. -Jonny from The Lakers Nation

It seems like every year now you can say “If not for LeBron James, CP3 would be having an all time great season”. 20 points, 11 assists, and 3 steals per game? Not too shabby. -RockKing from Waiting For Next Year

#2 Kobe Bryant(131 points)

Doesn’t it seem like he’s shooting a little less but making a little more? The Drama Queen’s game may be at its finest-ever point. -Fish from DallasBasketball.com

The fact that Kobe has stayed out of headlines proves he has matured. He’s focused and the rest of the league should be scared. -Dave from The Dream Shake

I admit it, I used to be a hater. Now I have nothing but respect — he’s learned to defer to his supporting cast where necessary and is playing more efficiently across the board. -Mookie from A Stern Warning

#1 LeBron James(170 points)

If only because he correctly referred to the “crab dribble” as a “trademark” and not a patent or a copyright. It’s still traveling though. -Dave from The Dream Shake

It’s been a while since it has been this clear cut… whatever way you want to cut it. Statistically, team record, flat-out dominance or just raw power — LBJ has got it all. He would have to slow down significantly to lose this award. -Mooki
e from A Stern Warning

Kyle founded TAI in 2007 and has been weaving in and out the world of Wizards ever since, ducking WittmanFaces, jumping over G-Wiz, and avoiding stints on the DNP-Conditioning list. He has covered the Washington pro basketball team as a member of the media since 2009. Kyle lives in D.C. with his wife, loves basketball, and has no pets.

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Truth About It.net, Washington Wizards Blog, ESPN TrueHoop Network -- Following the D.C. pro basketball franchise since the 90s and covering them in blog form since 2007 -- Opinion, Analysis, Irreverence, Pictures, Video, Interviews, Photoshops, News, Video, Quotes, Shares, and all the pixels about the Washington Wizards you can imagine.